Criticism of Margaret Court is muted at Australian Open
MELBOURNE, Australia — Marriage equality proponents draped themselves in rainbow flags at Margaret Court Arena on the first day of the Australian Open to protest tennis great Margaret Court’s controversial views on gay marriage and the broader lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Several, however, stopped short of saying Court’s name should be removed from the venue — a move advocated by Billie Jean King before the tournament began.
Marlene Jorgensen, sitting with a group of friends decked head to toe in rainbow-colored attire, said Court was entitled to her opinion.
“I don’t think you should ever take away from what Margaret Court’s achievements were,” said Jorgensen, who was festooned with a rainbow boa and knee-high, rainbow-striped socks. “We’re just saying we have a different opinion and it’s not the same as hers. But that’s what Australians are about. … It’s not about your race, your religion or your sexual orientation. We’re here to play tennis.”